solving word problems 2nd grade

Classroom Management

Classroom ideas, classroom community, teaching word problems in 2nd grade.

If you’re looking for a better way to teach word problems, and more importantly, want your students to be more successful in solving word problems, I’m here to help. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade doesn’t have to be a challenge.

Why is teaching word problems in 2nd grade so hard?

When I first started teaching, I taught my students to use keywords, underline and circle, highlight and box…and yet, it didn’t help. They still didn’t know when to add and when to subtract.

And, my students didn’t understand or perform any better. 

It didn’t help that I wasn’t consistently teaching or letting my students practice solving word problems.

Word problems have always been a source of contention for my students no matter what grade I taught (1st, 2nd, and 4th), and have always been something I’ve taught haphazardly as part of an adopted math curriculum. 

Most math curriculums offer the following:

  • 1 or 2 word problems at the end of each lesson, but don’t actually offer a way to teach students how to solve word problems
  • 1 chapter on “problem solving”

And seriously, neither of those is helpful.

I wanted my students to get daily, strategic word problem practice. 

And guess what? When I started teaching word problems in 2nd grade in a consistent, strategic way, my students were less frustrated, and much more proficient word problem solvers. 

So, what’s the solution?

Now, I follow a 4-day teaching plan, and assess on day 5. 

I no longer teach key words or underlining, circling, highlighting, and/or boxing…instead, I teach my students to look for patterns in how word problems are structured…word problem situations. 

In addition, I dedicate 5-10 minutes each day for word problem teaching and practicing.

There's a better way to teach word problems, and students will be  successful in solving word problems. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade can be easy!

How do I know what to teach?

I start with the standard. 

Honestly, no matter what I’m teaching this is where I start. I need to know exactly what the expectation is, so then I can help my students master it.

The Common Core standard for 2nd grade says:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.OA.A.1

  • Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one- and two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

While many states no longer use the term “Common Core” many of their adopted standards are the same, or at least similar. 

MAFS.2.OA.1.1 (Florida Standards)

  • Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one- and two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. 

There's a better way to teach word problems, and students will be  successful in solving word problems. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade can be easy!

So here’s what 2nd graders need to be able to solve:

  • Addition/Subtraction within 100 
  • One-Step & Two-Step
  • Put Together

When you look at what 2nd graders are supposed to do, it’s no wonder teaching word problems is so difficult, not to mention students actually getting the hang of them.

There's a better way to teach word problems, and students will be  successful in solving word problems. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade can be easy!

How I teach word problems in 2nd grade:

At the beginning of the year, students are introduced to our word problem routine after the first couple of weeks of school.

I explain that word problems are like stories we have to read, and understand what’s going on in the story. We call these word problem situations.

Then, I teach students that there are 4 things they should always do when they solve a word problem:

  • Write a Number Sentence
  • I explain to students that I can’t hop inside their brains to see what they’re thinking, and if I don’t know what they’re thinking, I can’t help them become better word problem solvers.
  • Students can draw a picture, use a fact family, base 10 blocks, and/or the standard algorithm.
  • I look to see that the student has the correct answer.
  • For example, instead of just saying “4,” my students write, “Cheyenne has 4 dogs.” This is important to connect math and writing, but also helps students check to see if their answer actually answers the question asked in the word problem.

solving word problems 2nd grade

Launching the word problem routine is all about modeling and routine. It doesn’t take long for students to get the hang of it.

I’ve done the hard work for you – I have 2nd grade word problems for the entire year, ready for you!

There's a better way to teach word problems, and students will be  successful in solving word problems. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade can be easy!

What’s the 2nd grade word problem routine?

On Mondays, I introduce the word problem situation. I find it helpful to have students “act out” the situation. Use the example on the situation poster/anchor chart to show students the pattern. (I teach students that the underlined portions of the number sentence are pieces we know, while the square represents the unknown.)

Model and solve the practice word problem, and provide feedback to students.

There's a better way to teach word problems, and students will be  successful in solving word problems. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade can be easy!

For the next 3 days, we model and solve a word problem that has the same situation as Monday. So we’re not skipping around. This is very systematic.

Finally, on Fridays, students complete 2 word problems on their own following the same situation we’ve used all week.

For differentiation or extension, students can write a word problem on the back of their assessment that follows the same situation they learned that week. This is such a great way to see if students really understand the situation we learned that week.

There's a better way to teach word problems, and students will be  successful in solving word problems. Teaching word problems in 2nd grade can be easy!

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Check Out These 50 Second-Grade Math Word Problems of the Day

Hunter has 47 baseball cards in his collection.

2nd Grade Problem of the Day

Opening your daily math lesson with a Math Word Problem of the Day is an excellent way to set the stage for learning. We all know that word problems are difficult for young learners to grasp, even when the mathematical operation portion of the problem is basic. Incorporate these second grade math word problems one day at a time at the start of your math block to build confidence, critical thinking skills, and a learning community!

Topics covered include addition, subtraction, multiplication, even/odd, three digit numbers, and time. All you need to do is post one of these second grade math word problems on your whiteboard or projector screen. Then let kids take it from there!

2nd Grade Math Problems of the Day

Want this entire set of second grade math word problems in one easy document? Get your free PowerPoint bundle by submitting your email here .

50 Second Grade Math Word Problems

1. trey has 5 squishy toys. he gets 4 more for his birthday. how many squishy toys does he have in all.

Trey has 5 squishy toys. He gets 4 more for his birthday.

2. Stephanie brings donuts to give out to her classmates on her birthday. She brings in 8 powdered donuts, 8 glazed donuts, and 10 chocolate donuts. How many donuts did she bring in all?

Stephanie brings donuts to give out to her classmates on her birthday.

3. Sara goes to the library. She is allowed to check out 10 books. She chooses 5 picture books and 3 chapter books. How many more books can she choose?

Sara goes to the library. She is allowed to check out 10 books.

4. David plants 8 pineapple seeds, 5 strawberry seeds, and 2 blueberry seeds. How many seeds does he plant in all?

David plants 8 pineapple seeds, 5 strawberry seeds, and 2 blueberry seeds.

5. Paige has 10 crayons. Mike has 6 more crayons than Paige. Jon has 9 crayons. How many crayons do they have in all?

Paige has 10 crayons. Mike has 6 more crayons than Paige. J

6. Jeff has 21 marbles in his collection. Eddie has 39 marbles in his collection. How many marbles do they have in all?

Jeff has 21 marbles in his collection. Eddie has 39 marbles in his collection.

7. Vicki goes to the zoo and sees 8 flamingos. Next, she sees 15 ducks, before seeing 22 ibises. How many birds did she see in all?

Vicki goes to the zoo and sees 8 flamingos. Next, she sees 15 ducks, before seeing 22 ibises. How many birds did she see in all?

8. Joshua sells 26 tickets to the school play. Nina sells 39 tickets to the school play. How many tickets did they sell in all?

Joshua sells 26 tickets to the school play. Nina sells 39 tickets to the school play. How many tickets did they sell in all?

9. The second grade goes on a field trip to the aquarium. There are 7 teachers, 62 girls, and 59 boys. How many people go on the field trip in all?

The second grade goes on a field trip to the aquarium.

10. Some apples are in an apple orchard. 38 apples are picked. Now there are 52 left. How many apples were there to start?

Some apples are in an apple orchard. 38 apples are picked. Now there are 52 left. How many apples were there to start?

11. Blake swam 18 laps on Monday. He swam 22 laps on Tuesday. He swam 27 laps on Wednesday. How many laps did he swim in all?

12. enzio reads for 25 minutes on monday. he reads for 33 minutes on tuesday. he reads for 35 minutes on wednesday. how many minutes does he read for in all.

Enzio reads for 25 minutes on Monday. He reads for 33 minutes on Tuesday. He reads for 35 minutes on Wednesday.

13. Dana has 15 yummy cookies. He eats some of the cookies. Dana has 7 cookies left. How many cookies did Dana eat?

Dana has 15 yummy cookies. He eats some of the cookies. Dana has 7 cookies left. How many cookies did Dana eat?

14. Eric had 12 toy cars. He gave 5 of the cars to his friend, Darren. How many toy cars does he have now?

Eric had 12 toy cars. He gave 5 of the cars to his friend, Darren. How many toy cars does he have now?

15. Carolyn saw 15 beautiful birds in a tree. Some birds flew away. Now there are 4 birds in the tree. How many birds flew away?

Carolyn saw 15 beautiful birds in a tree. Some birds flew away. Now there are 4 birds in the tree.

16. Christina sold 32 boxes of girl scout cookies. Lea sold 44 boxes of girl scout cookies. How many more boxes did Lea sell than Christina?

Christina sold 32 boxes of girl scout cookies. Lea sold 44 boxes of girl scout cookies.

17. Mimi has 23 more crayons than markers. She has 15 markers. How many crayons does she have?

Mimi has 23 more crayons than markers. She has 15 markers. How many crayons does she have?

18. Carrie has 36 pieces of candy. She gives 13 pieces to Tommy. How many pieces of candy does Carrie have left?

Carrie has 36 pieces of candy. She gives 13 pieces to Tommy. How many pieces of candy does Carrie have left?

19. Dahlia has 28 dolls on a shelf. She moves some to her dollhouse. Now 15 dolls are on the shelf. How many did she move to the bed?

Dahlia has 28 dolls on a shelf. She moves some to her dollhouse. Now 15 dolls are on the shelf.

20. Jerry has 12 soccer balls. Bob had 17 soccer balls, but gave 8 of them to Phil. How many tennis balls do Jerry and Bob have now?

Jerry has 12 soccer balls. Bob had 17 soccer balls, but gave 8 of them to Phil. How many tennis balls do Jerry and Bob have now?

21. John has 54 pieces of candy. He eats 7 pieces on Monday. On Tuesday, he eats 11 pieces. On Wednesday, he gives 17 pieces away to friends. How many pieces of candy does he have left?

John has 54 pieces of candy. He eats 7 pieces on Monday. On Tuesday, he eats 11 pieces.

22. Maria has 29 marbles. Sam has 56 marbles. Rachel has 67 marbles. How many more marbles does Rachel have than Ella?

Maria has 29 marbles. Sam has 56 marbles. Rachel has 67 marbles. How many more marbles does Rachel have than Ella?

23. Steven buys 52 strawberries. He eats 12 of them for a snack. He eats 15 of them later that evening for dessert. How many strawberries are left?

Steven buys 52 strawberries. He eats 12 of them for a snack. He eats 15 of them later that evening for dessert.

24. Diana collects stickers. She has 48 stickers in an album. She buys 27 more stickers. She then gives 18 stickers to her friend Judy. How many stickers does she have now?

Diana collects stickers. She has 48 stickers in an album. She buys 27 more stickers.

25. Hunter has 47 baseball cards in his collection. Ryan has 39 cards in his collection. How many more cards does Hunter have?

Hunter has 47 baseball cards in his collection. Ryan has 39 cards in his collection. How many more cards does Hunter have?

26. There are 95 people on a train. 19 people get off at the first stop. 24 people get off at the second stop. How many people are still on the train?

There are 95 people on a train. 19 people get off at the first stop. 24 people get off at the second stop. How many people are still on the train?

27. Daryl loves to collect comic books with superheroes. He has 5 comic books on his desk. He has 3 comic books in his backpack. Does Daryl have an even number or odd number of comic books?

Daryl loves to collect comic books with superheroes. He has 5 comic books on his desk.

28. Kim collects special seashells at the beach. She puts 8 shells in a pail. She puts 7 more shells in a jar. Does Kim have an even or odd number of seashells?

Kim collects special seashells at the beach. She puts 8 shells in a pail. She puts 7 more shells in a jar. Does Kim have an even or odd number of seashells?

29. Leslie plants red peppers in her garden. Her garden has 6 rows with 5 peppers in each row. How many tomatoes are in her garden?

Leslie plants red peppers in her garden. Her garden has 6 rows with 5 peppers in each row. How many tomatoes are in her garden?

30. Marc puts 16 photos in an album. If there are 4 cards in each column, how many columns are there?

Marc puts 16 photos in an album. If there are 4 cards in each column, how many columns are there?

31. Ms. Sanders wanted to treat her class to a pizza party. There are 8 slices of pizza in each pizza pie. If she has 29 students, how many pizza pies does she need to order?

Ms. Sanders wanted to treat her class to a pizza party. There are 8 slices of pizza in each pizza pie.

32. Four friends want to share a pumpkin pie. How could they cut the pie so each friend gets an equal share? Draw a picture to help you show your thinking.

Four friends want to share a pumpkin pie. How could they cut the pie so each friend gets an equal share?

33. Choose a three-digit number. Draw models to show the hundreds, tens, and ones to explain your thinking.

Choose a three-digit number. Draw models to show the hundreds, tens, and ones to explain your thinking.

34. Liam is thinking of a number with three digits. It has 7 hundreds, 4 tens, and 6 ones. What is his number? Draw a model to explain your thinking.

Liam is thinking of a number with three digits. It has 7 hundreds, 4 tens, and 6 ones. What is his number?

35. Juliana has 257 stickers in her collection. She wants to explore this number further. First, she draws a model of the number by drawing base ten blocks. Then she writes it out in expanded form. Last, she writes it out in word form. Show how she does all three of these ways to explain 257.

Juliana has 257 stickers in her collection. She wants to explore this number further. First, she draws a model of the number by drawing base ten blocks.

36. Caleb is skip counting. He writes 160, 165, and 170 on a whiteboard. What are the next 5 numbers in his pattern?

Caleb is skip counting. He writes 160, 165, and 170 on a whiteboard. What are the next 5 numbers in his pattern?

37. The Florida Gators Football Team won their last 4 football games. They scored 25 points in the first game, 58 points in the second game, 33 points in the third game, and 77 points in the fourth game. How many points did they score in all?

The Florida Gators Football Team won their last 4 football games.

38. Nolan collects Pokemon cards. He has 402 cards in his collection. He gives 25 cards to his friend Charlotte. He then gives 32 cards to his friend Maria. How many cards does he have left?

Nolan collects Pokemon cards. He has 402 cards in his collection. He gives 25 cards to his friend Charlotte.

39. A school is having a bake sale. Dhomini’s mom brings 82 cupcakes. Amelia’s dad brings 75 cookies. Lorenzo’s mom brings 100 brownies. How many items are at the bake sale in all?

A school is having a bake sale. Dhomini’s mom brings 82 cupcakes. Amelia’s dad brings 75 cookies. Lorenzo’s mom brings 100 brownies. How many items are at the bake sale in all?

40. Kristella is reading a Magic Treehouse Book for her book report. She reads 24 pages on Monday. She reads 39 pages on Tuesday. She reads 37 pages on Wednesday. How many pages does she read in all?

Kristella is reading a Magic Treehouse Book for her book report. She reads 24 pages on Monday. She reads 39 pages on Tuesday. She reads 37 pages on Wednesday.

41. Erica is reading James and the Giant Peach. The book has 144 pages. She reads 30 pages on Monday. She reads 42 pages on Tuesday. How many pages does she have left in the book?

Erica is reading James and the Giant Peach. The book has 144 pages. She reads 30 pages on Monday. She reads 42 pages on Tuesday.

42. Alana and her family are going to Disney World for her birthday. It is a 425 mile drive from her house. Her dad drives 127 miles before they stop for a snack. He drives another 233 miles before they stop for lunch. How many more miles do they have left until they arrive at Disney World?

Alana and her family are going to Disney World for her birthday. It is a 425 mile drive from her house. Her dad drives 127 miles before they stop for a snack.

43. The high school band is having a holiday concert. Peggy sells 75 tickets. Diana sells 101 tickets. Judy sells 135 tickets. How many tickets do they sell in all?

The high school band is having a holiday concert. Peggy sells 75 tickets. Diana sells 101 tickets. Judy sells 135 tickets.

44. Mr. Axelrod’s class is tracking how many picture books they read each month. They read 329 books in March. They read 471 books in April. They read 450 books in May. How many books did they read in all?

Mr. Axelrod’s class is tracking how many picture books they read each month. They read 329 books in March.

45. The museum has 792 visitors over the weekend. 382 people visited the museum on Saturday. How many people visited the museum on Sunday?

The museum has 792 visitors over the weekend. 382 people visited the museum on Saturday. How many people visited the museum on Sunday?

46. Luna sells copies of the school newspaper. There are 500 copies. On Monday, she sold 122 copies. On Tuesday, she sold 198 copies. How many copies are left?

Luna sells copies of the school newspaper. There are 500 copies. On Monday, she sold 122 copies. On Tuesday, she sold 198 copies. How many copies are left?

47. The second grade classes are going on a field trip to a play. Ms. Anastasio’s class has 29 students. Mr. Gordon’s class has 31 students. Mr. Fishman’s class has 33 students. Ms. McConnell’s class has 30 students. How many students go on the field trip in all?

The second grade classes are going on a field trip to a play.

48. Carlos is going to New York City on vacation. His plane leaves the airport at 2:30 p.m. The flight is 3 hours and 30 minutes long. What time does he land in New York City?

Carlos is going to New York City on vacation. His plane leaves the airport at 2:30 p.m. The flight is 3 hours and 30 minutes long. What time does he land in New York City?

49. Juanita is watching the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. She starts the movie at 5 p.m. The movie is 2 hours and 32 minutes long. What time does the movie end?

Juanita is watching the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. She starts the movie at 5 p.m. The movie is 2 hours and 32 minutes long. What time does the movie end?

50. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on their way to Hogwarts. The train leaves the station in London at 9 a.m. It takes 7 hours to get to Hogwarts. What time do they arrive at Hogwarts?

Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on their way to Hogwarts. The train leaves the station in London at 9 a.m. It takes 7 hours to get to Hogwarts. What time do they arrive at Hogwarts?

Enjoying these second grade math word problems? Check out our second grade hub for even more resources.

Get a PPT version of these word problems.

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Math Worksheets

Math Word Problem Worksheets for 2nd Graders

Practicing math word problems with these worksheets in second grade will introduce kids to multi-step problems while practicing their addition and subtraction skills. Some problems will also include money questions and time. Easy and more advanced questions included in these math workbooks.

solving word problems 2nd grade

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Free grade 2 word problems to help your students in mathematics. These free worksheets will help your students apply their knowledge to problem solve. Word Problems are often a challenge for students. They can comfortably do simple equations, but struggle to apply that knowledge to solve real life situations. It is important to do word problems daily to ensure your students get the repetition they need. Use these free worksheets to help you! They are scaled easy to hard (left to right).

solving word problems 2nd grade

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Grade 3 Word Problems | Draw a Picture

solving word problems 2nd grade

Word problems in grade 3 are very important. These 20 grade 3 word problems will engage students as they draw pictures to solve the questions! Drawing pictures is an effective strategy for solving problems in Mathematics. As students get older, they begin to visualize word problems. Drawing is the foundation for this! Get your students engaged in Mathematics with drawing during problem solving!

I hope you find it helpful!

Grade 4/5 Word Problem Task Cards

Word Problems

Daily Math Word Problems are vital to student development in Mathematics. This resource has 50 task cards, available in worksheet form with answers. Applying mathematical knowledge to solve word problems is extremely important. Some students understand how to solve equations but struggle to apply their knowledge when solving word problems. Doing daily word problems has helped my class a lot and I hope these flash cards will help yours!

Need More Grade 2 Worksheets?

For more grade 2 worksheets, check out grade 2 mental maths . There are some great worksheets there! For more 2nd grade worksheets, check out Dad Worksheets . They have a bunch of wonderful free worksheets that are helpful and easy to access. 

Grade 2 daily mental maths to help students develop their mental maths skills.

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